Websites (1 of 4)

This week I thought I would share a few of the websites which I have found to be interesting in various ways. Whether it be teaching me something new, a site where I can purchase things or just merely just a site that keeps me busy. There are loads of websites out there which are what I would consider to be awesome sites. Sadly, there are also those websites out there that just shouldn’t be there… enough said…

Kids Labels

The first website I came across is one which I bought stuff off of. Labels to be honest. What makes this site so interesting is the wonderful colours which hit your eye as soon as you log on and of course the little girl who greets you. Ok, I’m an animation fan, give me a break!!!

Not being one for the whole Christmas/birthday card concept, especially because of the prices surrounding them, I decided to give the gift labels a go. It really is difficult to get cards here (South Africa) at a reasonable price. The last time I wanted to get a card for a buddie of mine, I had to sell my tv. Hahaha, kidding… you get the idea!!!

Anyway, what made this site cool was the fact that I could design the labels the way I wanted. So, being the big birthday card fan I am, I decided to make some birthday labels. Honestly, I didn’t think they’d come out anywhere as good as what they did. They were amazing!!! The pics here are of the label which I created. It was good fun and I laughed for quite some time when I got them. In fact, I prefer giving these to my buddies instead of your standard card. It always causes them to laugh!!! Which then really makes my day…

Being so impressed with my labels, I decided to get my beautiful niece what KidsLabels refers to as a starter pack. Again they amazed me!!! I did the basic design work, through the site and was pleasantly surprised again. Basically a starter pack is aimed at kids around their early school years. In the pack I received labels for pens and pencils, clothing labels, shoes, school bag, lunch box etc. My sister was very pleased… Major points for me… You got kids in school? Brandon, Christi, Chris and Dana (I know you have little ones running around)!!! You guys have got to give these guys a go. I promise you, you will not be disappointed!!!

Don’t be afraid, go check KidsLabels out!!! What are your thoughts? Can you recommend any good sites?

The heart ache of a homeless woman...

This poem was written to the regional officer of Shelter by a homeless woman:

I was hungry,
And you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.
I was imprisoned,
And you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked,
And in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick,
And you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless,
And you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely,
And you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so close to God
But I am still very hungry – and lonely – and cold.

(Taken from “Issues facing Christian’s Today” by John Stott – 1984:19)

This poem broke my heart and really got me thinking of what my Christian values are. Am I really portraying the love of Christ, or am I portraying a religion? I felt sick to the core as I realized that I to like the regional officer have been focusing on more than one occasion, being holy rather then actually sharing the love I was so freely given.

How did you immediately feel after reading this poem? What are you portraying? Religion or Christ’s love?

Podcasts (5 of 5)

Mars Hill Podcast

Rob Bell is a well known teacher amongst leaders of the church of today. He is the author of two books, which have both blown my mind!!! The man is an incredible teacher. His two books are: Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith and Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connection between Sexuality and Spirituality. According to his publisher his newest book, Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile, will be available in October 2008. He is also the guy behind the great teaching series known to us Nooma. Other projects which he’s apart of are: Everything is Spiritual and The Gods aren’t angry.

The Mars Hill Podcast is mostly teachings by Rob Bell from Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids. They average at around 40 minutes long and are very educational. Rob has always been one for history and so always gives his listeners great depth into what various passages of the Bible say. Occasionally Don Golden, the lead pastor of Mars Hill also gets involved and is also a great teacher.

Have you ever listened to a podcast supplied by Mars Hill? What were your thoughts? What podcasts do you subscribe to?

Podcasts (4 of 5)

LifeChurch.tv

If you’re looking for true and relevant teaching on how we should tackle the various things thrown at us in our lives today, look no further than LifeChurch.tv’s Message series video podcast. Unlike most Biblical teaching podcasts, LifeChurch.tv offers both the video and the audio. The video (which I’ve used more than the audio) is of a great quality and small in size which is great when your space is limited on the ipod! Craig Groeschel’s teaching, along with many others, is of a relevant nature. They’re serious but at the same time humorous, which keeps you wanting to come back for more.

The great thing about LifeChurch.tv’s podcasts, is the various options which one has. One is able to choose from various worship sets (which is great sets!!!), to mission updates (great stories!!!), to the format in which you’d like to view or listen to the message. LifeChurch.tv, a church about choice, certainly makes it come through in their podcasts! A great series of podcasts to subscribe to!!!

Have you ever listened to or watched a podcast supplied by LifeChurch.tv ? What were your thoughts? What podcasts do you subscribe to?